aedavidson
Guest
I did my first liveaboard earlier this month. The clothes thing is very true you do not nes a lot. Some spare parts for your gear and extra computer battery and tools to change it did come in handy for some in my group.
first liveaboard - what to definitely take / not take?
- Thread starter BabyDuck
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I've done a wide range of liveaboard dive trips. Every trip is different (Dry suits on some trips, nothing but bathing suits on others), but the generalities I've come up with:
A minimum of 3 swim suits. (I personally don't like to put back on wet swim suits)
A beanie or a hood- even diving in the warmest locales, if you are doing 5 dives in a day, this will go a long way to keep you from lossing as much heat.
A polar fleece sweatshirt (if you do get cold after a dive, the polar flece will dry quickly)
Spray in Detangler (I swear by this stuff. Makes combing your hair an easy task compared to trying to comb out a dried out salty mess)
Sun Screen- and don't forget SPF for your lips
Towels (check with the operator if they provide these. So far the only one I have been with that did was the Kona Agressor- if not, take at least 2) As tamas mentioned, you might want one for laying on your bunk.
Batteries (hell, i've been on boats where you could have made up the cost of your trip selling batteries)
comfy clothes (dress on liveaboards is VERY casual- only exception is if your boat does some kind of nice dinner (on most Agressors do dinner everynight where people typical wear "real clothes" and one night of the trip you go on shore and might actually need to wear underware- other boats I've been onhavent done this, so might want to check on the boat)
Something to do on your SI- again depends on the boat and trip- some boats have dvd players, books (some I've been on, have a take one leave one rack)-also if you don't know many of the others on the boat.... you might want to pack something to do alone in your room (I have been on boats with ANNOYING people, and have really enjoyed time alone in my room reading)
Camera (sounds like a no-brainer, but I've already forgotten to pack one.
C-cards and Log book- If you don't usually carry yours, make sure you do, some of the ops will require to see them.
Some sort of deck shoes (you want to make sure you have non-marking soles- most boat won't kick you off for gym shoes, but the crew will like you a lot better if they don't have to follow you with a scrub brush).
Extra set of contacts (if you wear them..... nothing worse than losing one the first day of a dive trip, with no chance of getting a replacement)
A warm set of clothes, stuff that can be layered is best.
Don't for get sunglasses and a hat or visor.
Have fun! Liveaboards are a blast. And don't sweat the packing too much. If you do forget something, chances are some one on the boat will have more than enough.
A minimum of 3 swim suits. (I personally don't like to put back on wet swim suits)
A beanie or a hood- even diving in the warmest locales, if you are doing 5 dives in a day, this will go a long way to keep you from lossing as much heat.
A polar fleece sweatshirt (if you do get cold after a dive, the polar flece will dry quickly)
Spray in Detangler (I swear by this stuff. Makes combing your hair an easy task compared to trying to comb out a dried out salty mess)
Sun Screen- and don't forget SPF for your lips
Towels (check with the operator if they provide these. So far the only one I have been with that did was the Kona Agressor- if not, take at least 2) As tamas mentioned, you might want one for laying on your bunk.
Batteries (hell, i've been on boats where you could have made up the cost of your trip selling batteries)
comfy clothes (dress on liveaboards is VERY casual- only exception is if your boat does some kind of nice dinner (on most Agressors do dinner everynight where people typical wear "real clothes" and one night of the trip you go on shore and might actually need to wear underware- other boats I've been onhavent done this, so might want to check on the boat)
Something to do on your SI- again depends on the boat and trip- some boats have dvd players, books (some I've been on, have a take one leave one rack)-also if you don't know many of the others on the boat.... you might want to pack something to do alone in your room (I have been on boats with ANNOYING people, and have really enjoyed time alone in my room reading)
Camera (sounds like a no-brainer, but I've already forgotten to pack one.
C-cards and Log book- If you don't usually carry yours, make sure you do, some of the ops will require to see them.
Some sort of deck shoes (you want to make sure you have non-marking soles- most boat won't kick you off for gym shoes, but the crew will like you a lot better if they don't have to follow you with a scrub brush).
Extra set of contacts (if you wear them..... nothing worse than losing one the first day of a dive trip, with no chance of getting a replacement)
A warm set of clothes, stuff that can be layered is best.
Don't for get sunglasses and a hat or visor.
Have fun! Liveaboards are a blast. And don't sweat the packing too much. If you do forget something, chances are some one on the boat will have more than enough.
Bobby
Contributor
Marci,
Explorer ventures has Nitrox so don't forget your cert card for that and your tables just in case your putter takes a crap. If you are not backed up on tables then you will miss 24 hours of diving if your putter goes out. Keep an eye on CNS since you can push that with the blue holes that operation visits which are great btw. They are a first class operation and you will have a blast. They have very good showers and 115V 60hz for US electronics. Good shoes for walking cause they do shore excursions that are fun.
Bobby
Explorer ventures has Nitrox so don't forget your cert card for that and your tables just in case your putter takes a crap. If you are not backed up on tables then you will miss 24 hours of diving if your putter goes out. Keep an eye on CNS since you can push that with the blue holes that operation visits which are great btw. They are a first class operation and you will have a blast. They have very good showers and 115V 60hz for US electronics. Good shoes for walking cause they do shore excursions that are fun.
Bobby
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I have done 2 live aboards. One Blackbeards, one Aggressor. I would suggest the following:
-A bucket hat, not a ball cap. The sun can be murder on the tops of your ears/back of your neck. And your scalp can/will burn.
-2 pair sunglasses
-deoderant spray for the head. If you have your own head in your cabin you will still want this because the stool is often in the shower.
-a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt for at night.
-Bring the HID for night dives. I dove every night on my last live aboard because the night dives are the best.
-CASH TO TIP THE CREW. You think you do not need money on a live aboard, but it is customary to tip the crew, so be ready. Most crews split the tips evenly, but ask, in case you want to personally tip someone who was particularly helpful.
-plenty of sun block.
-deck shoe, as well as sandals. See comments concerning the bucket hat.
The sun really gets to be murder out on the ocean, and both live aboards I did were in February (anniversary is Valentine's Day). I tan easily at home and tend to burn some on the ocean. Remember, the sun reflects off the water too, as well as being more intense because of lower latitude.
-A bucket hat, not a ball cap. The sun can be murder on the tops of your ears/back of your neck. And your scalp can/will burn.
-2 pair sunglasses
-deoderant spray for the head. If you have your own head in your cabin you will still want this because the stool is often in the shower.
-a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt for at night.
-Bring the HID for night dives. I dove every night on my last live aboard because the night dives are the best.
-CASH TO TIP THE CREW. You think you do not need money on a live aboard, but it is customary to tip the crew, so be ready. Most crews split the tips evenly, but ask, in case you want to personally tip someone who was particularly helpful.
-plenty of sun block.
-deck shoe, as well as sandals. See comments concerning the bucket hat.
The sun really gets to be murder out on the ocean, and both live aboards I did were in February (anniversary is Valentine's Day). I tan easily at home and tend to burn some on the ocean. Remember, the sun reflects off the water too, as well as being more intense because of lower latitude.
dumpsterDiver
Banned
- Messages
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Diving 4-5 dives a day will be colder than you may think. At a min a full 3mm suit with good hood. if you are prone to getting cold I would consider a full 5mm suit. I would bring a full 5mm suit and I'm not skinny. You will not be making the night dives if you get cold!
I also bring an entire spare regulator set-up on multi-day trips.
I try to take a quick shower after each dive and dry off, especially in the winter.
Also take some swimmers ear medicine precentative if you are at all prone to it.
I also bring an entire spare regulator set-up on multi-day trips.
I try to take a quick shower after each dive and dry off, especially in the winter.
Also take some swimmers ear medicine precentative if you are at all prone to it.
Darnold9999
Contributor
Chocolate
I was on the CE1 in october and its a great boat. As to what you need, most of the things said prior to my post are good suggestions. Towels, they have plenty so you don't need to bring them. Mugs again they have plenty of them. Once you get aboard they'll have you take your shoes off and you won't wear them for the rest of the week(except for the shore excursion at san sal and dinner friday night). I was fine with a 3mm suit but if you tend to run cold bring a hooded vest or 5mm. I had the cabin right next to the engine room so earplugs would be good for when they fire up the engines for the night crossings. You don't need much cash you can leave the tip on your visa when you pay all the incidental charges. You don't need clothespins if you need something dried they have a dryer aboard. Besides that enjoy your trip.
Oh and bring the poker chips hold em isn't any fun if your not playing for money even if its low stakes
Oh and bring the poker chips hold em isn't any fun if your not playing for money even if its low stakes
daniel f aleman
Contributor
I used to DM in the Bahamas:
Your paperwork. Passport, driver's license, logbook and all c-cards, medical prescriptions. Fishing license, if not offered on the boat.
Cash, and plenty of it. Cash solves alot of problems. At least one credit card or debit card, so you can get more cash.
Supplimental insurance, do not dive abroad without DAN or DiveAssure insurance.
Batteries for all appliances, Walkman with earphones, earplugs, two paperback books, cell phone; several small waterproof Pelican cases to keep it all in.
Big floppy hat, sunglasses, at least 2 long-sleave t-shirts, 4 t-shirts, two sweat pants, canvas rubber-soled sneakers for shore excursions, 3 bathingsuits (2 must be dive compatible), and at least one shore-a-going outfit and sandals. Stuffable canvas bag and net bags.
Deodorant spray, athletes-foot medicine, lip-chap, plenty of suntan lotion, neosporine, small complete first-aid kit with band aids, Dramamine, babywipes, eye drops (Murine), mouthwash, gum, hard candy, chocolate bars, small travel sewing kit, skin cream, shampoo/liquid soap, twine and clothespins to hang wet clothes (you will use them), and towels. Packets of tea, sugar, salt, pepper, honey, etc..
All of your normal diving equipment, especially two each of your masks, fins (one can be full-foot for snorkeling), snorkels, and booties. Do not forget to leave home your expensive personal watch, buy a cheap, water resistant watch for daily use. Every trip someone loses a watch.
You will use everything above, for sure.
Your paperwork. Passport, driver's license, logbook and all c-cards, medical prescriptions. Fishing license, if not offered on the boat.
Cash, and plenty of it. Cash solves alot of problems. At least one credit card or debit card, so you can get more cash.
Supplimental insurance, do not dive abroad without DAN or DiveAssure insurance.
Batteries for all appliances, Walkman with earphones, earplugs, two paperback books, cell phone; several small waterproof Pelican cases to keep it all in.
Big floppy hat, sunglasses, at least 2 long-sleave t-shirts, 4 t-shirts, two sweat pants, canvas rubber-soled sneakers for shore excursions, 3 bathingsuits (2 must be dive compatible), and at least one shore-a-going outfit and sandals. Stuffable canvas bag and net bags.
Deodorant spray, athletes-foot medicine, lip-chap, plenty of suntan lotion, neosporine, small complete first-aid kit with band aids, Dramamine, babywipes, eye drops (Murine), mouthwash, gum, hard candy, chocolate bars, small travel sewing kit, skin cream, shampoo/liquid soap, twine and clothespins to hang wet clothes (you will use them), and towels. Packets of tea, sugar, salt, pepper, honey, etc..
All of your normal diving equipment, especially two each of your masks, fins (one can be full-foot for snorkeling), snorkels, and booties. Do not forget to leave home your expensive personal watch, buy a cheap, water resistant watch for daily use. Every trip someone loses a watch.
You will use everything above, for sure.
OP
BabyDuck
Contributor
thanks, everyone, so very much! i'm still getting good ideas from what you're posting. now i need to try to get it all into the bag! :O
Some interesting liquor for the last (party) night.
A sarong would be useful.
Depending on where you go, some "goodies" for the guides. When we went to Egypt, the guides were gaga for a piece of pizza/chocolate. Was very difficult to obtain locally.
A sarong would be useful.
Depending on where you go, some "goodies" for the guides. When we went to Egypt, the guides were gaga for a piece of pizza/chocolate. Was very difficult to obtain locally.
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